VisitEngland has revealed the winners for the Awards for Excellence 2016, including for the first time the Best Dog Friendly Business.
That award went to Higher Wiscombe in Colyton, Devon.
Derbyshire-based Hoe Grange Holidays won the Access for All Award, Treose Harbour House in St Ives was deemed the best B&B and The Whitworth at the University of Manchester the best large visitor attraction.
Two special awards honouring individual excellence were presented, one to BBC’s Countryfile, which was accepted by the programme’s presenters including John Craven, and the production team, while the Tourism Superstar award went to Lilian Groves, senior guide at Durham Cathedral.
Other award winners announced at last night’s ceremony included:
- Yorebridge House, Bainbridge, North Yorks – Small Hotel Award
- Livingstone Lodge Overnight Safari Experience, Ashford, Kent – Tourism Experience Award
- The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcestershire – Tourism Pub Award
This year’s Awards featured 80 finalists: 16 Gold winners, 17 Silver winners, 16 Bronze winners and 31 Highly Commended were selected from over 400 entries.
Winners were selected by a panel of tourism industry experts chaired by VisitEngland Board member and chief executive of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire John Hoy.
Sally Balcombe, CEO of VisitBritain and VisitEngland said, "These awards are the highest accolade in the industry, recognising the world class tourism experiences that can be found throughout England.
"As ever competition has been fierce, with winners from the regions coming through to compete at a national level so my congratulations to all our winners, especially the Gold Award winners who are the standard bearers for English tourism."
Tourism Minister David Evennett said: "The success of our world-leading tourism industry is due to the passion and dedication of individuals across the country.
"These awards highlight the huge talent we have, and the fantastic contribution winners and nominees have made to the sector, and I congratulate them all."
